How to use your symbicort inhaler?

Symbicort is a maintenance inhaler combining budesonide (ICS) and formoterol (LABA) for asthma (≥ 6 years) and COPD. It is not a rescue inhaler.

Priming (first use or after 7 days)

• Shake 5 seconds, remove cap.
• Spray once away from you; shake and spray again.

Daily use

1. Shake 5 seconds, remove cap. Check dose counter.
2. Exhale fully, place mouthpiece in mouth, seal lips.
3. Inhale slowly >deeply while pressing canister once.
4. Hold breath ~10 seconds, then remove inhaler.
5. If prescribed two puffs, wait 30 seconds, then repeat steps 2–4.
6. Replace cap and rinse mouth without swallowing to prevent thrush.

Cleaning

• Every 7 days: remove cap, wipe inside/outside of mouthpiece with a dry cloth.
• Do not wash or disassemble the inhaler.

Disposal

Discard when the counter arrow hits 0 or 3 months after opening the foil pouch, whichever comes first.

What is Symbicort used for?

• Asthma maintenance (≥ 6 years).
• COPD maintenance in adults.

Common side effects

• Headache, common cold symptoms, sore throat, sinus pain/swelling
• Back pain, oral thrush, upper respiratory infection

Serious side effects (seek medical help)

• Severe allergy (rash, hives, facial swelling, breathing difficulty)
• Sudden worsening of breathing
• Reduced bone density, poor growth in children
• Heart problems (chest pain, fast heart rate, high blood pressure)
• High blood sugar (thirst, urination, dry mouth, fruity breath)
• Low potassium (leg cramps, muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat)
• Eye issues (worsening glaucoma or cataracts)
• Hormonal disorders (fatigue, light‑headedness, nausea, vomiting)

Strengths & dosing

• 80 mcg budesonide / 4.5 mcg formoterol, 120 doses
• 160 mcg budesonide / 4.5 mcg formoterol, 120 doses

Typical: 2 inhalations twice daily (≈ 12 hours apart).

Onset & full effect

• Bronchodilation in ≈ 15 minutes.
• Full benefit after ≥ 2 weeks of regular use.
• Always keep a rescue (albuterol) inhaler on hand for sudden symptoms.

Sources

• Symbicort [package insert]. AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP. Accessed Mar 3, 2025.